Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The shoeflower plant (chembaruthi/chemparuthi/chemparathai) is well known for its hair conditioning property. Called chembaruthi in Malayalam, the flowers and leaves of this plant have immense medicinal value. The single layered flower with five petals is used medicinally instead of the multilayered flower called adukku chembaruthi.

The chembaruthi flower is found to strengthen the heart. Chembaruthi flowers can be boiled in a glass of water and reduced to half. Jaggery or palm candy is added to this decoction to make it more palatable. This is taken in the mornings on a regular basis to benefit the heart. This also increases sperm count and improves sperm motility. Shoeflower is also found to have anti-diabetic properties.

The leaves of chembaruthi can be used as a hair conditioner. A handful of fresh shoeflower leaves is collected and a fine paste is made out of it. This paste is applied on hair in place of a conditioner shampoo. After five minutes it can be washed off. It will provide a dark and soft look to the hair. The hair will have a nice bounce and shine. People with sinus problems should not use these leaves as a hair conditioner as it can worsen their sinus difficulties.

The paste of shoeflower leaves when consumed internally can heal stomach ulcers. For this either fresh leaves or dried and powdered leaves can be taken. In case of fresh leaves, they can be made into a paste and a small marble sized paste is taken internally for a week. The flowers too can be used either fresh or dried and powdered.

Diabetics can take one flower or bud once a day, to keep their glucose levels in check. It also removes toxins from blood and cleanses it. Chembaruthi tea strengthens the heart and heals inflammation of urinary tract.

The paste of shoeflower leaves has anti-fungal properties and can be applied externally over areas affected by fungal infection. It also heals chronic ulcers.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Neem flower has numerous medicinal properties that benefit the young and the old.

It is useful in treating ailments of the stomach.

It neutralizes excessive pitha in the body.

It expels intestinal worms in kids.

It helps recovery after debilitating fevers.

The neem tree is called ‘village dispensary’ in India. All parts of the neem tree have medicinal uses. The neem tree blooms in the months of March and April. The tiny looking neem flower is an excellent source of antioxidants.

Thoroughly cleaned, fresh neem flowers can be ground to a fine thick paste. A small marble sized paste of neem flowers can be added to milk and given to children for 2-3 days in the mornings. This is found to expel intestinal worms.

Decoction made of fresh neem flowers is found to help kids with craving for dirt. Adults with potbelly can take neem flower decoction on a regular basis to control and bring down their waist size. Siddha texts recommend eating in moderation, the rule of thumb being the stomach should have 50 percent food, 25 percent water and 25 percent remaining empty. In short, overeating is frowned upon by the Siddha system. Eating healthy and in moderation along with neem flower decoction everyday can take care of even stubborn potbellies.

Steam inhalation with neem flowers relieves headaches, ear aches etc.

The flowers collected are cleaned and dried in shade thoroughly. Dried flowers are soaked in honey and stored in a bottle. Half a spoonful of this honey soaked neem flowers can be taken in the mornings regularly. This is found to strengthen the body with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

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All information provided in this blog is for historical and educational purposes only; statements contained here are reported in an effort to preserve traditional cultural lore and information. Nothing here should be construed as an attempt to diagnose, prescribe, or recommend treatment for any disease or condition. Please consult your physician for medical advice regarding any medical condition and do not use any of the historical information on this site without your physician’s approval.